DC Jazz Jam will celebrate its six-year anniversary on U Street with a free show and open jazz jam contest at The Brixton (901 U Street NW) from 6:30-10:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The house band for the anniversary show will be composed vocalist Aaron Myers, pianist Wade Beach, guitarist John Lee, bassist Blake Meister and drummer Tony Martucci.
Local musicians are invited to join the band for a cutting contest, which Meyers describes as a “rap battle for instruments.” During the contest, two people will exchange solos and attempt to “cut” the other person. The audience will decide the winner at the end of each round based on skill, expression and audience connection.
“You’re going to see musicians coming out and bringing their A-game,” he said.
D.C. Jazz Jam organizer and drummer Will Stephens said the first jazz jam in August 2009 formed from a post on Craigslist. The band met for the first time over beer 30 minutes before the show and didn’t perform to a single audience member until a saxophone player walked in around the 2 hour mark.
Now the jams attract between 20-25 musicians every week, he said, and he has to keep a close eye on the sign-up sheet.
“I hope the takeaway is community building, and not just within the jazz community,” Stephens said. “The Brixton is a neighborhood establishment, so people come stop in from the neighborhood and that builds community.”
D.C. Jazz Jam performs every Sunday at The Brixton from 6:30-9:30 p.m. with rotating special guests.
Image Courtesy of Aaron Myers
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
I want you to think for a minute about the best phrase ever recited upon entering a U Street nightclub (… and “Hello, gorgeous” does not count).
But how about “No cover?” Yeah, that is music to the ears.
Dahlak is at 1771 U Street NW. (Borderstan)
This Sunday, DC Jazz Jam will host its free weekly session at Dahlak Restaurant (1771 U Street NW), featuring one of DC’s top performing and recording artists, Jeff Antoniuk. On Sunday, June 24, guests are invited to venture to the heart of the city’s historic jazz neighborhood, listen to local jazz musicians and enjoy the Eritrean food and drink at Dahlak.
The session starts at 6:30 pm and goes until 9:30 pm.
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The Going Out Gurus at The Washington Post have a review of the Sunday DC Jazz Jam sessions held every Sunday evening at Dahlak Restaurant on U Street NW.
Who: Open to jazz musicians
What: DC Jazz Jam
When: Every Sunday from 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Dahlak Restuarant, 1771 U Street NW
